Apple tree (Malus domestica) RĪGAS ROŽĀBELE

Apple (Malus domestica) 'Rīgas Rožābele' (Riga Rose Apple)

A low-maintenance Latvian variety with weak growth and good resistance.

'Rīgas Rožābele' (meaning "Riga Rose Apple") is a Latvian summer variety that originated as a chance seedling. It is valued for its low soil requirements, weak growth, and good resistance to scab and canker. The fruits have a tasty, delicate, sweet-tart flavour but are not very attractive.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Undemanding on soil.
• Weak growth.
• Good resistance to scab and canker.
• Early entry into bearing.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Latvia
• Origin: A chance seedling of unknown origin, discovered in 1940 in Riga.
• History: The variety was popularized by the fruit grower Jānis Kārkliņš since the 1970s.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Relatively weak.

Fruit

• Size: Small to medium-sized.
• Shape and colour: Ribbed. Yellow with red stripes.
• Flesh: Very juicy.
• Flavour: Tasty, delicate, sweet-tart.
• Appearance: The fruits are not very attractive.

Resistance and Requirements

• Disease resistance: Good resistance to scab and canker. Can be susceptible to mildew in hot summers.
• Requirements: Undemanding, grows well even in soils where other varieties struggle.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late summer variety.
• Storability: Can be stored.
• Entry into bearing: Early.